Meadowsweet
Scientific names: Filipendula ulmaria, Spiraea ulmaria
Family: Rosaceae
Alternate names: Barbe de Bouc, Barbe de Chèvre, Bridewort, Dolloff, Dropwort, Fausse Spirée, Filipendula, Filipendule, Lady of the Meadow, Mariée de la Prairie, Meadow Queen, Meadow-Wart, Petite Reine, Queen of the Meadow, Racine de Gravier, Reina de los Prados, Reine de la Prairie, Reine des Prés, Reine-des-Prés, Spiraeae Flos, Spireae Herba, Spirée Ulmaire
Actions: Analgesic, Antibacterial/antiseptic, Anticancer, Anticoagulant/antiplatelet, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiulcerogenic activity, Hyperglycemic activity, Uric acid excretion activity
Background
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a plant typically found in damp meadows in Europe and Asia. The above ground parts are used to make medicine.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that might decrease swelling. It also contains chemicals called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin.
People use meadowsweet for respiratory tract infections, headache, heartburn, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using meadowsweet for COVID-19.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that might decrease swelling. It also contains chemicals called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin.
People use meadowsweet for respiratory tract infections, headache, heartburn, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using meadowsweet for COVID-19.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Meadowsweet is possibly safe when used short-term. But taking meadowsweet in large amounts or for a long period of time is possibly unsafe. It contains chemicals called salicylates, which are similar to aspirin. It's not clear if it has similar side effects.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if meadowsweet is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Aspirin allergy: Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to the chemicals in aspirin. People who are allergic to aspirin might also be allergic to meadowsweet.
Asthma: Meadowsweet can cause lung spasms. It might make asthma worse.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy: It is likely unsafe to use meadowsweet while pregnant. It might make the uterus contract, causing a miscarriage.Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if meadowsweet is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Aspirin allergy: Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to the chemicals in aspirin. People who are allergic to aspirin might also be allergic to meadowsweet.
Asthma: Meadowsweet can cause lung spasms. It might make asthma worse.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using meadowsweet for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Traditionally, meadowsweet has been used by adults in doses of 2.5-3.5 grams of the flower or 4-5 grams of the herb by mouth daily. Its also been used as a liquid extract and tincture. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what type of product and dose might be best for a specific condition.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Aspirin
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals similar to aspirin. Taking meadowsweet along with aspirin might increase the effects and side effects of aspirin.
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate). Taking meadowsweet along with choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate) might increase the effects and side effects of choline magnesium trisalicylate (Trilisate).
Salsalate (Disalcid)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Meadowsweet contains chemicals that are similar to salsalate. Taking meadowsweet along with salsalate might increase the effects and side effects of salsalate.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 18/11/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 21/12/2012 18:09:35. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
